Why tech companies are buying up tons of rare old books to train their AI models

NPR | By Erika Ryan,

Juana Summers, Mallory Yu

Published August 19, 2026 at 5:13 PM EDT

NPR's Juana Summers speaks with 404 Media cofounder and reporter Emanuel Maiberg about his investigation into a shipment of rare books which ended up at an Amazon AI training warehouse.

Erika Ryan

Erika Ryan is a producer for All Things Considered.

Juana Summers

Juana Summers is a host of NPR's All Things Considered.

See stories by Juana Summers

Mallory Yu

Mallory Yu is an associate producer for All Things Considered.

See stories by Mallory Yu

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.